Debt Collector Calls

**SweetPea** · 01-22-2009, 09:19 AM

For the past several months, we have been getting calls to collect debt for 2 different debts. Debts that we do not owe. The name is the same as my husband's, but we've never done business with either of the companies calling. Let me repeat never ever had accounts with these companies.

I confirmed with them the first time that the social security numbers were different. I didn't give them my husband's number, they told me the number of the person they are looking for.

I've tried being nice. I tried ignoring the calls, but they don't stop. I've also been rude. My last remark was, "You have the wrong person, go try your scam somewhere else!" Nothing works.

Does anybody have any advice on how to stop these calls? We are on the donotcall.gov list, but they are not trying to sell anything.

Help!

**nvmommyx6** · 01-22-2009, 09:28 AM

we were getting calls for my ex and his bills he does not pay!
When I could I gave them his address, I had my daughter leave a message on the phone in German that said, " Please leave a message at the tone"!!!
Then when I do pick it up, I answer, "State farm" and bill collectors, sales people just dont call anymore ROFLMAO

**nancycg56** · 01-22-2009, 09:38 AM

I'm pretty sure you can write a cease and desist letter and they have to stop. Try this site and see what they say ~ www.budhibbs.com

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-22-2009, 09:38 AM

Dh had these calls a few weeks ago. We think someone had given the collection company a "fake" phone number, and that fake number just happened to be DH's number.

He asked them for all of the companies information (phone number, company name, callers name, etc.) then explained to them that he was not the person they were calling for, and basically made fun of them and told them they had been dupped, and that someone had given them a fake number.

He said that if they did not correct the problem he would call the State's Attorney's office here in IL, and also the BBB. They told him it would take 30 days to get his number off the list.

He told them that any calls he recieved in those 30 days, would be written down and reported, becuase 30 days was ridiculous. He recieved one phone call after that, in which he spoke to a supervisor, explained that he would be contacting the BBB and state's attorney since he had recieved a second phone call. And they stopped calling after that.

I guess just keep telling them that they have the wrong man. Make whatever "legal" threats you can, and hopefully, they stop calling you! Collectors usually just do a skip trace on whatever personal info they can find. Sometimes, if all they have is a name to go on, they call that number.

**BlessedMomof2** · 01-22-2009, 10:24 AM

We kept getting phone calls for a guy with almost the same last name as ours just one letter was wrong. They were repeatedly calling. We got tired of the assuming it was my dh and that he was dodging the debt and calls. I asked for the info listed with this collection call and the only thing that matched my dh was the first name and telephone number. I asked them to remove our phone number from their calling list and if we recieved another phone call I would be looking into legal action for harrassment from a company we DO NOT have any business with.
It's been about 2 months now and we have not recieved a single call from them. They lady on the phone was very nice about everything and reassured me that we would no longer be getting phone calls.

**TigerGirl1226** · 01-22-2009, 10:36 AM

We had the same problem a while back. I repeatedly told them they had the wrong house. The address they read to me was on the other side of town and I had never heard of the name they were looking for. After a while they stopped calling so insistently. Every couple months they call and I tell them the same thing and nothing else for a few months.

**mombottoo** · 01-22-2009, 10:45 AM

Take down info from the person calling...name of their company, their name, address, phone # and file a complaint. That is the quickest way to get them off your back.

I get calls from bill collectors all the time for other people...mainly because they give my number out (family members) and honestly I am sick to death of it. Typically, they want me to pass on the message...now I tell them that if they send me a check for $100 I would be more than happy to relay the message...that's my fee.

**Greebo** · 01-22-2009, 11:03 AM

Before you file a complaint, you must by law dispute the debt in writing.

Get the name, address and debt information from the caller, and send a written letter via certified mail (keep a copy yourself) indicating that you dispute the debt in accordance with S809b (section 809 b) of the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), that you do not owe this debt, that they have the wrong person, and that any further contact after 30 days of receipt of the letter will make them liable under section 813 of the same act and will be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

Simple!

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...edit/cre27.pdf

**rasilla** · 01-22-2009, 01:18 PM

We get these calls regularly for family members, fun stuff. Part of me feels that I have an obligation to pass on the message as they are basically stealing by purchasing things they can't and have no intention of paying for... Life. It is a difficult position to be put in. Glad the person they are calling for is not related to you.